Columbia, SC – State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announces three S.C. students have been named U.S. Presidential Scholars.
“I am so proud to recognize these outstanding students for their academic excellence and achieving this national honor,” said Superintendent Spearman. “They are models of success for their districts, our state, and now our entire nation. I look forward to seeing the future leaders they will become.” concluded Spearman.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation's most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the program was extended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
Each year, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, and the award has become one of the nation's highest honors for high school students. The Scholars have all demonstrated leadership, scholarship, contribution to school and community, and outstanding accomplishment sin the arts, sciences, humanities, and other fields of interests.
Scholars are invited for an expense paid trip to the National Recognition Program in Washington D.C. in June. They are awarded the Presidential Scholars Medallion at a White House-sponsored ceremony. Superintendent Spearman has sent all three students a letter and a certificate to congratulate them on their achievement.
South Carolina's 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholars are:
Frelicia Tucker
Aiken High School - Aiken County Public School District
“Frelicia is a champion in everything that she does. She excels inside and outside the classroom by approaching each and every aspect of her life with the same passion and determination she has displayed as an academic scholar and elite athlete,” Aiken County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford stated. “In the midst of so much success during her high school career, however, it is her maturity and humility which continues to set her apart, and her character that will ensure a lifetime of success. We are so happy to celebrate this latest outstanding achievement with her, and we are proud knowing she represents with class and distinction all the very best Aiken County Public Schools has to offer.”
Jenning Chen
Spring Valley High School - Richland School District 2
“Jenning’s academic achievements are certainly exceptional, but equally impressive are her focus, ambition and desire to help others using her natural gifts,” said Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm. “We could not be prouder of this young woman and look forward to the mark she will make on the world.”
Devin Srivastava
Spartanburg Day School